The rain poured relentlessly, striking the ground in heavy sheets.
Makoto looked up at the sky, slightly annoyed.
"…It's raining this hard… when is our test even going to start?"
Richard stood beside him, unfazed.
"You need patience."
Fujiko crossed her arms, nodding lightly.
"He's right. Just wait."
—
The scene shifted.
A girl stood alone on the roadside, gazing up at the storm-filled sky.
"…Should I go?" she murmured.
Rain soaked the streets, the sound of footsteps echoing as people hurried past.
"…Yeah… I should."
She tightened her grip on her bag and suddenly dashed forward, weaving through the crowd with surprising speed.
Moments later—
She pushed open the door of a café.
A small bell rang.
"…I think too much," she muttered softly, brushing her damp hair aside.
"I got a little wet…"
A voice came from inside.
"So… you came, Kurumi Sako. It's been a while."
She paused.
"…Yeah."
—
Across from her, a figure sat by the window.
Kamiya Shinya gazed quietly at the rain outside, his expression calm—almost unreadable.
The storm reflected in his eyes.
Kurumi smiled softly and sat down.
Outside, the rain poured heavily—relentless, unending. Droplets struck the café window in uneven rhythms, sliding down like fading memories. The sky was dim, wrapped in a dull gray, and the world beyond the glass looked distant… almost unreal.
She placed her bag beside her, a faint drip of water falling from its edge.
Kamiya, still gazing at the rain, spoke quietly—
" it's raining a lot. Don't you agree with me?"
Kurumi followed his gaze toward the window, watching the blurred silhouettes of people rushing through the storm.
"Oh yeah… it looks beautiful."
A soft rumble of thunder echoed far away.
Kamiya's eyes remained fixed outside.
"I love the rain."
His voice was calm… but carried weight.
"It reflects sadness… and many other things. You can't deny it."
The rain intensified, tapping harder against the glass.
"That's why… rain is a season where people find love… sometimes."
A pause.
"For some, it's sad… for others, it feels good… comforting."
Kurumi smiled gently, her fingers brushing against the warm cup.
"…Yeah. I agree with you."
The warmth of the tea contrasted with the cold, damp air surrounding them.
Kamiya finally shifted his gaze toward her.
"You should drink your tea… or it'll get cold."
"Oh—yeah, I didn't even think of that…"
She let out a small breath, lifting the cup.
"This atmosphere… really gives me chills…"
Her voice softened.
"And the way you talk… that's why it gives me chills."
A faint blush spread across her cheeks.
Kamiya tilted his head slightly.
"…Is that so?"
Kurumi quickly took a sip.
The warmth spread through her.
"…Yeah… it's really good."
Kamiya gave a small, quiet smile.
The sound of rain filled the silence again.
Then—
"…By the way," he said, "did you get the key I asked for?"
Kurumi paused, then nodded.
"…Yeah. Here."
She opened her bag and took out an old key.
It looked worn… aged… as if it carried time within it.
"…This key… it opens a box."
Lightning flickered faintly outside.
"I don't really believe in these superstition things…"
Her voice lowered slightly.
"But after my father died… he left it to me when I was young."
The rain softened—just slightly.
"I thought… maybe it meant something."
A small pause.
"…But I guess it's nothing at all."
She pushed it toward him.
"…So you can take it."
Kamiya picked it up without hesitation.
"…Thanks. It's very important to me."
Kurumi smiled awkwardly.
"…Yeah… I heard you like collecting weird things."
She quickly waved her hands.
"Not like that—no, no—"
Kamiya let out a soft laugh.
"I like being called weird."
He leaned back slightly, eyes calm.
"It's actually a good thing."
Kurumi blinked, surprised.
"…Is that so?"
Kamiya nodded.
"Everyone in this world has weirdness."
The rain continued to fall, softer now—steady, almost calming.
"Don't you think… that's what makes them unique?"
Kurumi's eyes lit up slightly.
"…Yeah."
She smiled.
"That makes sense."
The scene shifted.
Rain still echoed faintly in the distance, tapping against the academy's high walls.
Makoto and Richard stood near the training ground—both clearly bored.
Makoto stretched lazily.
"Y'know… when I stole your candy back then, you cried like a kid."
Richard didn't even look at him.
"…Enough with those brain-dead jokes."
Makoto grinned.
"Hey, seriously—after seeing all this, I just remembered someone."
Richard glanced at him slightly.
"…Who?"
"Kamiya Shinya. You know him?"
Richard frowned.
"…No. Who is he?"
Makoto shrugged.
"After you left, I made new friends. He's… kinda different. Really calm, kind… and yeah—popular with girls too."
He smirked a little.
"I'd say he's a really good guy."
Richard stayed silent for a moment.
"…I don't know about that. But… the name sounds familiar."
Makoto tilted his head.
"Hmm… maybe."
A pause.
Then he looked around.
"…Wait—where's Fujiko? I just saw her—"
He suddenly pointed.
"Oi—you there!"
—
Fujiko was sitting off to the side… casually eating popcorn.
Without even trying to hide it.
She froze.
"…Oh."
A beat.
"…I got caught."
—
Makoto and Richard stared at her.
Then both of them reacted at the same time—
"Seriously?!"
—
Before the moment could settle—
A strange feeling crept in.
Cold.
Unpleasant.
Makoto's expression shifted.
"…What's this…?"
That heavy, negative sensation lingered in the air.
Slowly, he turned his head—
Toward the corner.
—
Rohan stood there.
Watching him.
Silently.
—
Makoto's face twitched.
"…Will you please stop staring at me like that? It's creepy. Seriously—it gives me chills."
Rohan flinched slightly.
"I-I just…"
He hesitated, fidgeting.
"I just felt… kinda ashamed after seeing you…"
—
Makoto instantly dropped to the ground.
"WTH?!"
He looked up, annoyed.
"I'm a weeb too, you know—what kind of logic is that?!"
He stood back up, brushing himself off.
"…Anyway—you're in our team too, right?"
Fujiko answered from the side.
"Yeah. He is."
Makoto nodded, then looked at Rohan again.
"So tell me—what's your サーバント name?"
Rohan avoided eye contact.
"…It's a secret. For now."
Makoto groaned.
"Come on, it's not that serious. You can tell us—right, my friend?"
—
The air remained slightly tense.
That strange feeling… still hadn't fully disappeared.
The scene shifted.
Rain traced slow lines across the café window.
Kamiya Shinya stood quietly, the faint glow of the outside light reflecting in his eyes.
He turned the key between his fingers.
"…This key…"
A faint smile formed.
"…it's something worth adding to my collection."
Outside, the rain softened—no longer violent, but steady… like a quiet whisper.
His gaze lowered slightly.
"And this box… it definitely has a purpose."
—
Kurumi looked at him, her fingers tightening slightly around her cup.
Kamiya picked up his coat.
"Well… I should get going."
He glanced at her.
"You should take care."
Kurumi's cheeks tinted red.
"…R-right."
—
Without another word, he stepped out.
The café door closed behind him with a soft chime.
And the rain welcomed him back.
—
The scene shifted again.
—
Makoto crossed his arms, staring at Rohan.
"Come on, at least tell me something. How's your father like something strong okusto or something "
Before Rohan could answer—
A voice cut through.
"Well… shouldn't it be time for your test?"
—
All of them turned.
Araki Amatsuka stood there, a faint smile resting on his face.
"Let's see how capable you are."
He stepped forward slightly.
"After all… a special-grade Okutso will be teaching you."
—
Makoto's eyes lit up slightly.
"…Who could that be?"
—
The large doors slowly opened.
A faint creaking sound echoed through the hall.
Smoke drifted out first.
Then—
A man stepped in.
An old figure.
Wearing glasses.
Calm.
Unbothered.
A cigarette rested between his fingers as he took a slow drag, exhaling lazily.
His presence alone… felt heavy.
Like someone who had seen far too much.
—
The atmosphere changed.
Even the air… felt different now
"Well, well… Haruki Yoshida. It's been a while. Still as cold as ever, I see."
The man didn't look at him.
A slow exhale of smoke left his lips.
"Yeah."
Just one word—but it carried weight.
Makoto narrowed his eyes slightly, studying him.
So this is him… Rohan's father…
No wonder…
Before the moment could settle—
"Could you shut up, Araki?"
The room froze.
A guard stepped forward instantly. "You can't speak to Sir like tha—"
He stopped.
No—his body stopped.
His voice died mid-sentence.
His eyes widened in pure terror.
He couldn't move.
Not even a finger.
Haruki didn't even look at him.
"I wouldn't hesitate to kill you," he said calmly. "Or any of your guards."
Silence.
Heavy. Suffocating.
Then—
Araki raised a hand casually.
"It's fine. I told you… don't provoke him."
The guard staggered back, drenched in cold sweat.
Araki sighed lightly.
"He's not someone you can handle. Not an ordinary Okutso."
Haruki finally lifted his gaze.
Took another sip from his glass.
Then—
His eyes landed on Makoto.
Sharp.
Piercing.
"So… you're Takashi's son."
A pause.
"Makoto Mori… right?"
Makoto straightened instinctively.
"…Yes."
Then those same eyes shifted.
"To you—"
Richard didn't flinch.
"Richard Bougainvillea."
Haruki's lips curved slightly.
"Interesting…"
A faint smirk.
Not friendly.
Not warm.
Just… dangerous.
Then he leaned back slightly.
Smoke curling upward.
"Tell me something."
A pause.
"Why are you here?"
His gaze sharpened.
"Your motive."
The air tightened again.
"Why do you want to join?"
Haruki exhaled slowly, smoke dissolving into the air.
"Three questions."
His voice was calm—but heavy.
"Which one do you think is true?"
A pause.
"Will you save humans?"
Makoto didn't hesitate.
"Yeah. I'm human… so saving humans isn't even a question."
Haruki said nothing.
His gaze shifted.
Richard spoke next, almost lazily.
"Being greedy… killing sometimes—for the greater good… I'm fine with that."
A faint silence followed.
Then—
"The next," Haruki continued, "to create a peaceful society."
Makoto frowned slightly.
"…That's obvious too, isn't it?"
Haruki stared at both of them.
Then—unexpectedly—
"You did well."
He tossed something—two small metallic tags.
"These are your scores. You passed this stage."
Makoto blinked.
"…We passed?"
Haruki took another sip.
"The third answer was mediocre."
A pause.
"But acceptable."
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"Though… that's not how things actually work in the Shingen Force."
Makoto's expression hardened.
"…What do you mean?"
No answer.
Instead—
Haruki vanished.
A blur.
—BOOM—
Makoto's body slammed into the wall before he could even react.
"Ghh—?!"
Too fast.
He couldn't even see it.
Richard moved instantly—
His fist cut through the air toward Haruki's face.
Haruki tilted his head slightly.
Dodged.
Effortlessly.
Richard followed up—another punch, sharper, faster—
Blocked.
No—stopped.
Haruki's hand caught it.
Then—
A single strike.
—THUD—
Richard hit the ground.
Silence.
Makoto forced himself up, breathing rough.
"…Tch… then how about this?!"
He grabbed a nearby flower pot and swung it.
Haruki didn't move.
His fist moved once—
—CRACK—
The pot shattered mid-air.
Fragments scattered like dust.
Before Makoto could react—
—IMPACT—
He dropped.
Flat.
Helpless.
Haruki stood there, untouched.
"I didn't even use a fraction of my power."
His voice remained indifferent.
"And you're already down."
A pause.
Cold eyes.
"Your first instinct… wasn't to survive."
"Remember that."
Rohan, sitting at the side, clenched his fists.
"…Father… don't hurt them too much."
Haruki didn't look at him.
"They won't die."
A slight pause.
"…If they're worth anything."
Makoto lay on the ground, groaning.
"…Damn… that hurt."
He slowly sat up, cracking his neck slightly, then let out a small laugh.
"…Kinda brutal… but not bad."
A grin spread across his face.
"Since he's that strong… makes it more fun."
He clenched his fist lightly.
"I'll take my revenge."
He said it in a half-joking tone—but his eyes carried intent.
"…What do you think?"
Richard exhaled, still lying back.
"…I don't know."
A pause.
"…He's strong. No doubt about that."
He glanced upward.
"He took us down like it was nothing."
His voice lowered slightly.
"…If I had a little more time… I would've used Horus properly."
Makoto turned his head.
"…Your サーバント?"
Richard didn't answer immediately.
Makoto clicked his tongue.
"…Where was mine then?"
A slight frown formed.
"Susano didn't even respond to me."
A pause.
"…Maybe he knew it was just a test…"
He looked up at the ceiling.
"…Or maybe…"
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"…he just didn't think it was worth it."
Makoto pushed himself up, brushing the dust off his clothes.
"…We should train our Shingon," he said, looking at Richard. "Don't you think?"
Richard glanced at him, calm as ever.
"…Yeah. But Shingon isn't something you use casually."
A pause.
"It's only for when your サーバント is in danger… or when you have no other choice."
Makoto listened quietly.
"We don't need to rely on it all the time," Richard continued. "Our サーバント are already strong enough."
His tone grew slightly serious.
"And we can only use Shingon five times."
Makoto blinked.
"…Five?"
"If you overuse it… it can damage your body."
Silence lingered for a moment.
Makoto looked down at his hand.
"…I see."
Then he let out a small breath.
"We shouldn't rely on our サーバント all the time either."
He looked back at Richard.
"They're like us… not tools."
A pause.
"But yeah… if Shingon is only for emergencies…"
He nodded slightly.
"…I'll keep that in mind."
Richard gave a small nod.
"Good. That's better."
"…It's dangerous if you misuse it."
Makoto scratched his head lightly.
"…Is that so?"
"…Yeah."
A brief silence followed.
Makoto exhaled.
"…Alright then."
Makoto stretched slightly, still recovering.
"…So what do we do now?"
He looked at Richard.
"…If I want to summon Susano again… do I need to go home? To check that chant I used before?"
Richard shook his head.
"…Not needed."
Makoto blinked.
"When you used that… it already activated."
A pause.
"What you have to do now is simple."
He looked at Makoto directly.
"Call your サーバント's name."
Makoto listened carefully.
"And say it clearly—"
"'I release you from your seal.'"
"Or—"
"'I summon you… Susano.'"
"That's how it works."
A brief silence.
"…That's the summoning."
Makoto frowned slightly, thinking.
"…And if I'm not wrong…"
He looked at his hand.
"I need to focus on my willpower too… right?"
Richard nodded.
"…Yeah."
"That's the key."
Silence settled between them—
Not confusion anymore.
But understanding.
Richard didn't answer immediately.
Instead—
He stepped forward.
"Watch."
A faint glow began to gather around him.
"Here…"
His voice steadied.
"I summon you—Horus."
—A burst of light—
Golden radiance spread outward, forming a massive figure behind him.
Horus appeared.
Tall. Majestic. Overwhelming.
Makoto's eyes widened.
"…Whoa."
"It's like mine… but bigger…"
—
A voice echoed in his mind.
"…Of course it is."
Makoto froze.
"You can't even use me properly, idiot."
"…Huh?"
He looked around.
"Who's that—?"
Richard glanced at him.
"That's how I summon Horus."
As if answering—
Horus spoke, its voice deep and distant.
"…So it depends on training."
Richard nodded.
"Exactly."
—
Makoto took a step forward.
"…Alright."
"I'll try it too."
"…Finally."
Susano's voice echoed again in his mind.
"Let's do it."
Makoto focused.
"…Hey… Susano. Is that really you?"
"Of course it is."
"…Then how do I summon you?"
A brief pause.
"Focus on your will."
"Like I told you before."
Makoto took a breath.
Richard watched quietly.
"…Interesting."
"He's communicating directly with his サーバント…"
—
Makoto clenched his fist.
"…Alright."
His voice grew firm.
"Here—"
"I release you from your seal…"
A pause.
"…Susano."
—
Silence.
Then—
A surge.
Wind burst outward.
Energy spiraled violently around him—
—BOOM—
Susano manifested.
Standing behind him.
In full presence.
Makoto was pushed backward slightly from the pressure.
"…Whoa—"
He steadied himself.
Then—
He smiled.
"…So you're Susano."
Behind him, the figure stood silently.
Then—
"…Yeah."
A deep voice answered.
"I am."
Makoto glanced toward the road behind him.
"…That's her, right?"
Richard didn't even turn fully.
"…Yeah."
A small pause.
"…Your reaction already answered it."
Makoto scratched his head lightly.
"…Anyway… how are we gonna train?"
—
"Train your Shingon."
Susano's voice echoed calmly in his mind.
"Refine your will."
"Make yourself stronger."
Richard nodded slightly, as if aligning with that.
"…It'll give you a boost. But it needs control."
Susano added—
"Focus. Precision. Not just power."
A brief silence.
Then Richard spoke again.
"…We need two things."
He raised two fingers.
"Physical strength."
"And willpower."
Makoto listened carefully.
"…And our bond with our サーバント."
Richard lowered his hand.
"…That's what matters."
He turned slightly.
"…So—let's train with them."
Makoto smiled.
"…Good plan."
—
Richard started walking.
"…Follow me."
Makoto blinked.
"…Where are we going?"
"…Training room."
"…Where is that?"
Richard didn't answer.
"…Just follow."
Makoto sighed.
"…Alright…"
—
They walked.
But—
Makoto slowed slightly.
His eyes shifted.
Far away—
A woman stood watching.
Silent.
Unmoving.
Their eyes met for a second.
She smiled.
A quiet, knowing smile.
Makoto frowned slightly.
…Who is she?
Does she know me…?
—
Richard's voice cut in.
"…We're here."
Makoto snapped out of it.
"…Huh?"
He looked up.
And froze for a second.
"…Whoa…"
Before them—
A massive training field stretched wide.
Open. Structured. Built for combat.
"…This place is huge…"
Makoto looked at Susano.
"…What kind of attack?"
"Shingon. You should use it."
Makoto frowned slightly.
"…I know what Shingon is… but I don't know many attacks. How do I use it?"
"Just like you did in your previous battle."
Makoto scratched his head and laughed a little.
"…I don't even remember doing that."
Susano replied calmly—
"Even if you didn't fully understand it… you used it well."
"Perhaps Takashi's memories are still stored within you."
"When we merged… your body reacted automatically."
Makoto nodded.
"…Yeah… it did feel like that."
"…So how do I use it now?"
"Later."
"For now, apply Shingon to simple outputs—Pulse Burst… or Divine Severance."
Makoto's eyes lit up.
"…That sounds amazing."
"…But you can't."
"…Why?"
A voice came from behind—
"…He's right."
Horus stood there.
"Even if you can use Pulse Burst… a technique like Divine Severance isn't a joke."
"A normal Okutso would die trying to use it."
"…Only a few can reach that level—and it takes years."
Richard stepped forward.
"…Yeah. When I use Pulse Burst, I'm fine."
"…But I can't use the final form."
"…Divine Severance for Susano… or my Horus' Sun Annihilation…"
"…Those aren't things we can use ourselves."
Horus continued—
"Such attacks are meant for the サーバント."
"If we force them—our bodies won't handle it."
Makoto went silent.
"…So we'd die?"
Richard nodded.
"…Most likely."
He added—
"…Pulse Burst is different. It's not really a Shingon."
"…It's just raw willpower."
"…That's why we can use it safely."
Horus finished—
Richard
"…As you know, we can only use Rupture."
"…That attack is mostly used by Okutso themselves."
Makoto tilted his head.
"…Sounds cool… but how do we use it?"
Richard shook his head slightly.
"…We can—but Rupture isn't simple."
"…It's the most powerful attack an Okutso can use."
"A pause."
"…It takes years to master."
"…Once someone truly masters it…"
"…they can destroy another Okutso—"
"…and even their will."
Makoto's eyes widened.
"…That strong…?"
"…That's insane."
Richard nodded.
"…Only a few have mastered it."
"…One of them is Haruki Yoshida."
"…And a few others."
—
"…Did you just say Yoshida?"
Susano's voice suddenly sharpened.
"…That bastard…"
Makoto blinked.
"…You know him?"
"…You were there, right? You're in my mind—you should've seen everything."
A pause.
"…What are you talking about?"
"…I don't remember anything."
Makoto frowned.
"…What?"
Richard stepped in.
"…Maybe Haruki Yoshida already knew about us."
"…About our サーバント."
"…That's why he acted like that."
Makoto looked at him.
"…Is he really that strong?"
Richard exhaled.
"…From what I've heard…"
"…he's done things most Okutso can't even imagine."
Makoto went quiet.
"…Didn't expect that…"
Then—
"…Speaking of him…"
"…Where's his son? Rohan Kisuke?"
Scene Shift
Rohan sat on a sofa.
Haruki stood nearby, calmly drinking.
"Father…"
"…You know those two?"
Haruki didn't look at him.
"…Yeah."
"…I know them."
A pause.
"…Their father—Takashi Mori…"
"…was an old friend of mine."
—
A figure entered.
Louis.
He took a cigarette, lighting it casually.
"…Sounds like they carry his legacy."
Haruki glanced at him.
"…You."
"…Louis."
Louis smirked slightly.
"…Yeah."
"…About that kid—Makoto…"
"…He's not normal."
"…On his first mission…"
"…he took down a powerful Okutso."
Haruki took a slow sip.
"…Interesting."
A pause.
"…But that's not enough."
"…I'll judge him myself."
"…Still…"
"…he does seem… interesting."
Scene Shift
Makoto suddenly sneezed.
"…Huh?"
He rubbed his nose.
"…Feels like someone's talking about me…"
Makoto smiled.
"…Anyway, I'll learn this Rupture thing."
"…It looks cool, not gonna lie."
"…Then start properly."
Susano's voice echoed.
"Strengthen your will first."
Makoto stretched his arms a little.
"…Alright then… let's do this."
He paused—then suddenly raised his hand dramatically.
"…Excalibur—!"
A beat.
"…Wait."
He looked around.
"…Where's my sword?"
Another pause.
"…Oh yeah…"
He scratched his head.
"…I'll be the Servant—"
Then immediately stopped.
"…My bad."
"…This isn't fiction… this is real life."
Susano sighed.
"…You're a weirdo."
Makoto grinned.
"…Yeah… maybe."
Makoto cracked his knuckles.
"…Alright. Let's do this."
"…I'm gonna master Rupture."
He looked straight at Susano.
"Train me."
Susano's voice came calmly—
"…I won't go easy on you."
"…You can take the first hit."
Makoto smirked.
"…Alright—here I go!"
He rushed forward—
and threw a punch.
Susano didn't even move.
"…That's it?"
A pause.
"…Then my turn."
He raised a single finger—
—and tapped Makoto's forehead.
—BOOM—
Makoto was sent flying—
crashing straight into the wall.
"…Gah—!"
He dropped to the ground.
"…He's too strong…"
Susano exhaled slightly.
"…Kid."
"…If you want to beat me—"
"…you'll need more than that."
"Focus on your will."
"…and your Shingon."
Makoto slowly pushed himself up—
gritting his teeth.
"…Then… let's go again."
Makoto steadied himself—
but his eyes shifted.
Richard moved.
Fast.
He rushed toward Horus, fist first—
Horus tilted slightly—
—and dodged it effortlessly.
Richard didn't stop.
He pivoted mid-step, moving again—
his aura starting to glow faint yellow.
Makoto's eyes widened.
"…Whoa…"
"…So that's how he does it…"
"…No wonder he lasted against Haruki…"
Richard dashed in again—
"Pulse Burst."
—BOOM—
The force shot forward—
but Horus turned—
raising a barrier—
blocking it cleanly.
Makoto watched closely.
"…He's strong… seriously…"
Richard pushed again—
another punch—
this time Horus shifted slightly—
half-moving back.
Horus spoke calmly—
"…You've improved."
"…But it's still not enough."
Makoto clenched his fist.
"…Damn… I wanna do that too…"
"…Then don't flinch."
Susano's voice cut in.
"…Look at me."
"…Use your will."
Makoto nodded.
"…Alright…"
He rushed forward—
but his attacks—
missed.
Again.
"…Why…?"
"…Why can't I move like him?"
Susano answered—
"…Because he has control."
"…His will is stable."
"…And he's mastered more Shingon than you."
Makoto exhaled.
"…Yeah… makes sense…"
He stepped back.
"…Alright… my turn."
He closed his eyes.
Took a deep breath.
Focused.
—
"…What… is this…?"
A faint aura began forming around him—
unstable—
but growing.
"…Is this… my power…?"
Susano watched silently.
"…So he's starting to understand…"
—
"…Let's test him."
Susano moved.
Fast.
A punch came straight toward Makoto—
—
Makoto didn't move.
Eyes still closed.
—
At the last second—
he vanished.
—
"…!"
He reappeared in the air—
instantly—
and drove a punch down toward Susano.
—impact—
Makoto landed back—
sliding slightly.
He looked at his hand.
"…What…?"
"…That felt… light…"
"…Like my body just moved on its own…"
Susano looked at him.
"…Like I said."
"…That's your will."
Horus glanced toward Makoto.
"…That boy…"
"…He's something."
Before he could say more—
Richard moved again—
a sharp kick—
—impact—
Horus slid back slightly, caught off guard for a moment.
"…Your friend…"
"…I think he's different."
Richard didn't even look at him.
"…I don't care."
He stepped forward—
another punch—
"…What I want…"
"…is to become the strongest Okutso."
A pause.
"…And bring peace."
"…That's it."
"…Because I'm the one chosen to do it."
Horus stayed silent.
—
After a moment—
Richard turned away.
"…I'm going somewhere."
"…Come, Horus."
Makoto called out—
"Hey—where are you going?"
Richard didn't stop.
"…Somewhere."
Makoto scratched his head.
"…I see…"
Makoto watched Richard leave.
"…I don't know…"
"…but something feels off about him."
He paused—
then shook his head.
"…Yeah… but I can't do anything about that."
"…That's his problem, I guess."
He stepped forward—
raising his fists in a loose boxing stance.
"…Anyway… let's go again."
—
Susano watched him in silence.
"…Takashi…"
"…you were right…"
"…your son is just like you…"
—
Makoto glanced up.
"…What happened?"
—
*"…Nothing
Makoto smiled slightly.
"…I'll become the strongest Okutso."
"…and save people."
He looked ahead, more serious now.
"…I guess they're right…"
"…the greatest power comes with the greatest responsibility."
—
Susano's voice echoed calmly—
"…Good."
"…I'm glad you understand, kid."
"…Because what's ahead of you…"
"…won't be easy."
"…It will shake you."
—
Makoto nodded.
"…Yeah."
"…But still…"
He clenched his fist.
"…I'll save everyone."
"…Even my enemies."
—
A brief silence.
—
Susano spoke again—
"…You'll have to be harsh sometimes."
"…But…"
"…let's see how far you can go."
—
Makoto grinned.
"…Let's do it."
Makoto stepped forward—
raising his fists into a fighting stance.
"…Again."
Susano stood calmly—
watching him—
no movement.
—
Scene Shift
—BAM—
Richard slammed his fist into the wall.
"…Tch…"
"…I don't know why…"
"…but it feels like someone's watching me."
He clenched his jaw.
"…And I don't like it."
Horus spoke from behind—
"…Stay calm."
"…It might be nothing."
Richard's eyes darkened.
"…Silence."
A pause.
"…You can read my mind…"
"…but you'll never feel my pain."
—
Horus remained quiet.
Kamiya Shinya sat quietly—
watching the rain trace the glass.
"…It's sad…"
"…for people who don't believe in destiny…"
He smiled faintly.
"…when it's always there… guiding them."
—
A presence stood nearby.
"…So, Kamiya?"
Kamiya glanced at him.
"…Yeah."
He placed the box on the table.
"…This box… and the key…"
"…they're connected from the start."
He slowly opened it—
"…At first, it looks normal…"
"…but look closely…"
His finger moved slightly—
"…there's another mechanism…"
"…hidden… small enough to miss."
A faint click.
"…And it requires will."
—
A keyhole revealed itself inside.
Kamiya took the key—
"…As expected…"
He inserted it slowly.
"…Now…"
He closed his eyes slightly.
"…I'll use my Shingon."
A quiet breath.
"…Here…"
"…I release you—"
A pause.
"…Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto."
—
The air shifted.
A voice broke the silence—
"…So tell me, Kamiya Shinya…"
"…What will you do with her?"
—
Kamiya didn't turn.
"…As I said…"
"…I'll form a contract with her."
A slight smile formed.
"…Second…"
"…I'll use her to see what lies ahead."
"…After all…"
"…she holds the ability to glimpse the future."
A pause.
"…And through her…"
"…I may even reach—"
"…Amaterasu Ōmikami."
—
The air felt heavier.
Kamiya's smile deepened.
"…That's the real goal."
—
He finally turned his gaze.
"…And you…"
"…I need you to find something for me."
A brief silence.
"..saito kojima "
—
The name lingered in the air.
Saito smiled softly.
"…Sounds interesting to me."
Scene Shift
Haruki sat on the sofa—
calm, composed.
Behind him, his サーバント stood—
unusually restless.
Her gaze shifted slightly—
as if sensing something distant.
—
"…Something wrong?"
Haruki asked, without looking.
—
She paused.
"…It seems…"
"…someone has opened it."
A brief silence.
"…The key…"
"…to another god."
Her expression turned faintly uneasy.
"…Something… has awakened."
—
Haruki took a slow breath.
"…Is that so…?"
A slight pause.
"…Then this might become troublesome."
Susano suddenly went still.
—
Makoto noticed.
"…Hey… something off?"
"…You just froze."
—
"…No…"
Susano's voice replied calmly—
but in his mind—
"…Who was that…?"
—
Makoto tilted his head.
"…You sure?"
"…You act like a robot sometimes."
"…You need to recharge or something?"
—
A pause.
—
"…Are you dumb?"
"…I'm not a machine."
—
Makoto blinked—
then smirked.
"…Wait—you know what a robot is?"
"…I thought you were, like… super old."
—
"…What?"
A brief silence—
then—
"…Anyway…"
"…You're not entirely wrong."
—
Makoto raised a brow.
"…What's that supposed to mean?"
—
"…I'll continue later."
—
And just like that—
Susano vanished.
—
Makoto stood there alone.
"…That was kinda weird…"
He rubbed his head.
"…Still…"
A small smile formed.
"…I can't believe I'm living in a world where all this exists…"
"…This is the kind of world I always wanted…"
A pause—
his expression turned serious.
"…But yeah…"
"…I'll take it seriously."
"…I made a promise."
—
"…I'll be responsible."
"…It feels like…"
Susano's voice echoed faintly—
"…a fragment of another god…"
"…has been released."
—
In a distant dimension—
Susano rested in silence.
—
Scene Shift
Makoto stretched his arms.
"…Man… I'm exhausted…"
"…I need a drink."
He started walking—
—
Suddenly—
a cold breeze passed.
"…Huh…?"
Makoto shivered slightly—
rubbing his arms.
"…Why does it feel so cold…?"
"…This is giving me chills…"
—
A presence stood behind him.
—
Makoto froze for a second—
then sighed.
"…Seriously…"
"…Will you stop giving me creepy vibes like Louis does—"
He turned.
"…Rohan."
—
Rohan stood there.
"…Sorry."
"…But I need to go to the bathroom."
—
Makoto blinked.
"…What?"
"…And what do you want me to do about that?"
—
Rohan looked serious.
"…Come with me."
—
Makoto frowned.
"…Why?"
—
Rohan hesitated.
"…I'm… scared."
"…I heard there are ghosts there."
—
Makoto stared at him.
"…Ghosts?"
A pause—
then—
"…Don't mess with me."
Makoto looked at him.
"…Also, where were you?"
—
Rohan replied casually—
"…I was attending a lecture."
"…Master Haruki Yoshida's."
—
Makoto nodded.
"…Makes sense."
"…He's your father after all."
A pause—
"…Still kinda creepy though… not gonna lie."
—
Makoto said
"…Anyway…"
"…Let's go."
A small pause—
"…But first…"
"…let's grab some juice."
—
Rohan scared way
"But but "
Makoto grabbed Rohan's hand.
"…You think too much. Let's go."
—
Rohan hesitated.
"…But I need to pee—"
—
"…Shh!"
Makoto cut him off.
"…Don't say that out loud—people will hear you."
—
They started moving—
—
—BOOM—
A loud sound echoed.
—
Makoto stopped.
"…What was that?"
Without waiting—
he ran toward the source.
Rohan followed.
"…That came from the toilet area—"
—
"…Don't joke right now."
—
They reached the door.
A strange glow—
dark and flickering—
leaked from inside.
—
Makoto stepped closer.
"…Anyone there?"
A pause.
"…Could it be… Richard?"
He knocked hard.
"Hey—open up!"
"…Are you okay?"
"…It's me—Makoto Mori!"
—
No response.
—
"…Damn it…"
Makoto stepped back.
—
Rohan grabbed his arm.
"…What are you doing…?"
"…This is scary…"
—
Makoto ignored him—
and kicked the door.
—
"Rohan, you can't break it—!"
"…It's against the rules—"
"…we'll get punished!"
—
—CRASH—
The door broke open.
—
Richard collapsed onto the floor.
—
Makoto rushed forward.
"…Richard—!"
"…Hey—are you okay?!"
—
Richard barely moved.
"…You…?"
—
Makoto clenched his fists.
"…Who did this…?"
—
Footsteps approached.
Another Shingon Force member arrived.
"…What's going on here?"
—
Makoto looked at him urgently.
"…Please—look at my friend!"
"…He's injured!"
The Shingon Force member knelt down—
checking Richard quickly.
"…He's injured."
"…I'll take him."
He lifted Richard carefully.
—
Makoto stepped back slightly—
still staring.
"…Why…?"
A pause.
"…Why would someone do this to him…?
Damm it
Makoto clenched his fist.
"…How did this even happen…?"
A pause.
"…Or did he do something…?"
He frowned.
"…No… maybe I shouldn't assume that…"
—
He turned to Rohan.
"…What do you think about this?"
—
Rohan hesitated.
"…Ah… I…"
—
Makoto shook his head.
"…Never mind."
"…I'm going."
—
He started walking—
—
"Hey—wait for me!"
Rohan hurried after him.
Makoto sat on a chair—
silent.
"…How did that even happen…?"
A pause.
"…When he left with Horus…"
"…something felt off…"
He frowned slightly.
"…But I can't say anything yet…"
He exhaled.
"…I'll talk to him later…"
"…He'll be fine."
A small pause.
"…Still…"
"…I guess I care about him…"
"…We're not even that close…"
"…but it feels like a bond…"
He looked up.
"…Maybe Louis was right…"
"…about destiny…"
"…I don't know…"
—
"Hey, Makoto."
—
Makoto glanced over.
"…What?"
—
Rohan stood there.
"…He'll be okay."
"…I think he used some kind of Shingon on himself."
—
Makoto blinked.
"…What…?"
"…Is that so?"
—
Rohan nodded.
"…Yeah."
"…Fujiko is treating him."
—
Makoto relaxed slightly.
"…So she's a healer too…"
"…That's good."
—
Rohan suddenly grabbed his hand.
"…Anyway—I need to pee."
—
Makoto stared at him.
"…What?"
"…Go by yourself."
—
Rohan shook his head.
"…No—you have to come."
"…You promised."
—
Makoto frowned.
"…Promised what?"
—
Before he could react—
Rohan pulled him along—
running.
—
Toilet Area
Rohan stopped near the broken door.
"…See?"
"…No one will come here now."
—
Makoto sighed.
"…Just go already."
—
While waiting—
Makoto looked away.
"…Speaking of Richard…"
"…I wonder what Kamiya Shinya is doing…"
—
Rohan came out—
relieved.
"…Ahh… that feels better."
—
Makoto shook his head slightly.
"…You're unbelievable…"
Then he stood up.
"…Let's go."
"…To Richard's room
Scene Shift – Richard's Room
Makoto and Rohan entered.
Makoto stepped forward.
"…Hey, Richard."
"…You okay?"
—
Richard lay there, calm.
"…I'm fine."
"…Just… did something wrong."
—
Makoto frowned.
"…What do you mean?"
—
Richard looked away slightly.
"…Just something…"
"…not that important."
A pause.
"…I tried to form a bond with something…"
"…something I want to learn."
—
Makoto narrowed his eyes.
"…A bond… huh…"
—
He walked closer.
—
Rohan whispered—
"…Where are you going?"
—
Makoto didn't answer.
He reached the window—
and opened it.
Fresh air flowed in.
—
"…A bond…"
He spoke quietly.
"…I get it."
"…Wanting something badly…"
"…wanting to reach it…"
A pause.
"…You're not wrong."
—
He turned slightly.
"…But it becomes wrong…"
"…when you risk your life for it."
—
Silence filled the room.
—
"…Do your best."
"…but that doesn't mean you have to throw your life away."
"…There are other ways."
—
Makoto looked at him directly now.
"…I may not know your exact goal…"
"…but I know it's something big."
—
A small pause.
—
"…Same as mine."
—
His voice lowered.
"…After what Louis told me…"
"…about destiny…"
—
"…I think ours might be connected."
Richard stayed silent—
watching Makoto.
—
"…What is he…?"
"…He's talking like a mentor…"
"…but he's my friend…"
A pause.
"…Are we… connected somehow?"
"…Maybe I'm overthinking…"
"…but still…"
—
Makoto spoke calmly—
"…Maybe…"
"…you should understand yourself better."
"…That's the best way to put it."
—
Richard looked away slightly.
"…What is this feeling…?"
—
He stood up.
"…Anyway…"
"…I'm going."
A brief pause—
"…Take care of yourself, Makoto."
—
He walked out.
—
Makoto watched him leave.
"…I gave him advice, huh…"
A small breath.
"…Did I really just do that…?"
"…Talking like I understand things…"
—
He looked down at his hand.
"…Maybe…"
"…there's something in me too…"
—
"Hey, Makoto."
—
Rohan called out—
but Makoto didn't respond.
—
Lost in thought—
"…What is it…?"
"…What's inside me…?"
"…I need to understand it…"
"Hey, Makoto."
—
Makoto snapped out of his thoughts.
"…Yeah—oh, my bad. I was thinking about something."
—
Rohan looked at him seriously.
"…My zip is open."
"…Can you help me with that?"
—
Makoto froze.
"…What?"
He stared at him.
"…Bro—what the hell?"
—
Rohan just stood there, holding his shirt casually.
—
Makoto turned away slightly.
"…You're weird as hell…"
"…Why is it always me…?"
Makoto sighed—
then turned—
—
Someone was suddenly right in front of his face.
—
Makoto stepped back instantly.
"…It's you, huh."
He exhaled.
"…Makes sense."
"…That's your ability, right?"
"…Still—you don't have to scare me like that."
—
Fujiko smiled.
"…I just wanted to check on you all."
—
Makoto crossed his arms.
"…Anyway… what brings you here?"
—
"…A mission."
She said calmly.
"…Since I already treated Richard…"
"…and he's still not in condition…"
"…you three will be going."
—
Makoto blinked.
"…Three?"
"…What?"
"…Why not four?"
"…Only Richard is injured, right?"
—
Fujiko nodded slightly.
"…Haruki Yoshida…"
"…the leader assigned to your team…"
"…has his own matters right now."
"…So he won't be attending."
A small pause.
"…But don't worry."
"…You'll still be four."
—
Makoto frowned.
"…Four?"
—
"…The third member…"
"…Sei Amade."
—
Makoto looked around.
"…Oh yeah…"
"…Where is she?"
—
A voice came from behind—
"…Let's go."
—
Sei Amade stepped forward quietly.
—
Makoto turned.
"…So you were here…"
—
She didn't respond—
just walked ahead.
—
"…Let's keep moving."
Makoto looked ahead.
"…Are we at the location?"
—
Fujiko replied calmly—
"…Just a little further."
—
Makoto glanced at her.
"…Hey, Fujiko…"
"…about Haruki Yoshida-sensei…"
"…he's not coming, right?"
A pause.
"…Does he not like us or something?"
"…I heard he's well known…"
"…so did he just ignore us?"
—
Fujiko shook her head.
"…Not at all."
"…He actually likes you all."
"…He wants to train you—especially you and Richard."
A slight pause.
"…But he had urgent work."
—
Scene Shift
Haruki stood atop a tall tower—
the wind moving around him.
An eagle landed nearby.
—
"…Report."
—
The eagle spoke—
"…I found a place."
"…Small… but dense."
"…A strong concentration of will."
—
Haruki's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…Is that so…"
A faint smile formed.
"…Interesting."
"…Perhaps…"
"…someone has unlocked another fragment of a god."
—
Scene Shift
Makoto exhaled.
"…I see…"
"…He must be busy then…"
Rohan looked around nervously.
"…Hey… are we there…?"
—
Fujiko nodded.
"…Yes."
"…We're at the location."
—
Makoto frowned.
"…Wait—what do you mean—"
—
—CRACK—
The ground burst open.
A hand shot out—
—
Fujiko instantly lifted into the air.
"…Watch out!"
—
Makoto jumped back.
"…That was close—!"
"…What the hell is this?!"
—
Fujiko's expression turned serious.
"…A Servatron."
"…A large one."
—
A voice echoed from above—
from a broken tower.
"…And also…"
"…a サーバント user."
—
Makoto looked up.
"…Who is that guy…?"
—
Fujiko narrowed her eyes.
"…I don't know…"
"…but he's controlling it."
—
The Servatron lunged at Makoto—
—
Makoto jumped back.
"…I have to call him—"
"…Here—I release you from your seal—Sus—"
—
—FLASH—
The man appeared instantly.
"…Nuh uh."
"…Not that fast."
—
He drove his palm into Makoto's stomach.
—
—IMPACT—
A red aura seal spread across Makoto's body.
—
"…What—?!"
Makoto staggered.
"…What is this…?!"
—
The man smiled.
"…A sealing technique."
"…My Shingon."
—
Rohan panicked.
"…Ahh—run—RUN!"
—
Makoto snapped at him.
"…What the hell—where are you going?!"
—
Rohan was already running.
"…I don't wanna die!"
—
The Servatron turned—
and chased him.
—
Sei stepped forward—
"…Pulse Burst."
—BOOM—
The attack hit—
—
Nothing.
—
The Servatron didn't even flinch.
—
Sei stepped back.
"…This is bad…"
—
Makoto clenched his teeth.
"…Damn it…"
"…He's stronger than I expected…"
—
Fujiko exhaled.
"…I can't fully use my abilities here…"
"…This isn't my field…"
—
The man looked at Makoto.
"…So…"
"…can I take Makoto Mori?"
—
Makoto stepped forward.
"…Not happening."
—
He threw a punch—
then dashed away.
—
…He sealed Susano…
…but not my will…
…I can still fight…
—
…Susano trained me…
…Pulse Burst…
…and something stronger…
—
The man watched him run.
"…He's escaping…"
"…By the way…"
"…what's your name?"
—
Fujiko answered calmly.
"…Fujiko Eto."
—
He smiled.
"…Sodo."
"…Nice to meet you."
—
"…I'll catch him."
—
Fujiko smirked slightly.
"…Not so easily."
"…He's not running for nothing."
—
Sodo chuckled.
"…Interesting…"
"…But I can catch him anytime."
—
—FLASH—
He vanished—
—
—and appeared right in front of Makoto.
—
Makoto's eyes widened.
"…Too fast—!"
—
"…Then take this!"
"Pulse Burst!"
—BOOM—
—
Sodo blocked it with both hands.
—
Makoto jumped back.
…Did it work…?
—
Sodo smiled.
"…I think I made a mistake…"
"…treating you like a kid."
—
Makoto stared.
"…It didn't work…?"
Rohan ran—
"…Leave me alone—!"
—
The Servatron roared—
—ROOOAR—
—and charged.
—
Rohan dodged—
barely.
"…Why is it chasing me—?!"
—
Sei watched from a distance—
silent—
then slipped into the shadows—
disappearing from sight.
—
Scene Shift – Makoto vs Sodo
—THUD—
Makoto got slammed back.
—
Sodo smirked.
"…That's it?"
"…Is that all you've got?"
—
Makoto steadied himself.
"…Not really…"
He took a deep breath—
—
Then—
he moved.
Fast.
—
Sodo's eyes widened slightly.
"…What the fuck ?"
"…How are you—?"
—
Makoto rushed forward—
speed increasing—
—
"…I thought you were just running!"
—
Sodo chased him—
matching his speed.
—
Makoto dodged—
Sodo's punch missed—
—
Makoto turned—
and drove his fist straight into Sodo's face.
—CRACK—
—
Sodo slid back slightly.
"…Tch…"
"…So you've got some strength after all…"
—
From afar—
Fujiko watched quietly.
"…Interesting…"
—
Scene Focus – Sodo
Sodo wiped his mouth—
his expression changed.
Cold.
—
"…You messed up."
A pause.
"…I was going to keep this simple…"
—
His aura shifted.
"…But now…"
—
"…I'll make your death worse."
—
"…It's time you go down."
Makoto smiled—
blood at the corner of his lips.
"…I'm not going down that easily…"
—
He dashed forward—
fast—
—
—but this time—
Sodo caught him.
—
—GRAB—
Sodo seized his head—
and slammed it into the ground.
—BOOM—
—
Then—
—CRACK—
A brutal punch to Makoto's face.
—
Blood spilled.
—
"…Now you're done."
Sodo said coldly.
—
Makoto… smiled.
—
Scene Split – Rohan
Rohan kept running—
dodging desperately—
"…Why me—?!"
—
—WHOOSH—
Out of nowhere—
—
—SMASH—
The Servatron's punch hit him.
—
Rohan crashed into a wall—
and collapsed.
—
"…Ahh…"
—
Back to Sodo—
he glanced briefly.
"…Pathetic…"
"…No will power at all."
—
Back to Makoto
Makoto struggled—
Sodo gripping his face.
—
…Did they… take everyone down…?
—
…No… I can't stop here…
—
…Think…
…How did I do it before…?
—
…Back then…
—
He clenched his teeth.
…Susano isn't here…
…but…
—
"…I will do it."
—
Sodo looked toward the Servatron.
"…They couldn't even scratch you…"
"…Not a single mark…"
—
Makoto's body trembled—
—
"…AHHH—!"
—
A surge of will power erupted.
—
Sodo narrowed his eyes.
"…That aura…"
"…Interesting…"
—
Makoto vanished—
—
"…I won't let you kill me!"
—
Sodo reacted instantly.
"…Servatron—grab him."
—
—but Makoto was faster—
—
He dashed across the Servatron's body—
climbing—
—
then—
—BOOM—
He struck it.
—
Sodo watched closely.
"…So you did something…"
"…That pressure…"
"…Interesting…"
—
Makoto moved again—
another strike—
—
The Servatron roared—
—ROOOAR—
—and slammed him mid-air.
—
—CRASH—
Makoto hit the ground—
sliding back.
—
"…Damn it…"
"…They're both strong…"
—
He slowly stood—
breathing heavily—
—
"…But…"
"…something's different now…"
—
His eyes sharpened.
"…I'll defeat them…"
—
"…AHHH—!"
—
"…TAKE THIS!"
—
"Pulse Burst!"
—BOOM—
—
This time—
it connected.
—
Sodo stepped back—
raising his arms to block.
—
"…Tch—"
—
Dust cleared.
—
Sodo looked at him—
eyes narrowed.
"…This time…"
"…that was stronger…"
—
A faint smirk.
Makoto wiped the blood from his mouth—
and smiled.
"…Looks like…"
"…we're on the same level now."
—
Sodo smiled faintly.
"…You'll understand soon enough."
—
A voice echoed in Makoto's mind—
"…Makoto."
—
"…Susano—"
—
Makoto snapped back—
"…My name is not Susano, what the hell—"
—
—FLASH—
Sodo rushed in—
—
Makoto moved to dodge—
…I can avoid this—
—
—but—
—
—WARP—
The Servatron suddenly teleported—
—
—BOOM—
A punch slammed into Makoto's stomach mid-air.
—
"…What—?!"
—
Blood burst from his mouth—
—
He flew back—
—CRASH—
into a wall.
—
Debris fell around him.
—
Makoto coughed—
"…He's… strong…"
Makoto pushed himself forward—
faster than before—
—
—but Sodo matched him.
—
—IMPACT—
Another hit landed.
—
Makoto slid back—
"…Tch…"
"…He's reading my moves…"
—
Sodo smirked.
"…Wrong."
"…No matter how fast you get…"
"…you can't beat me."
A pause—
"…I have my Servatron."
"…It sees you…"
"…tracks you…"
"…and crushes you anytime."
—
Makoto's eyes narrowed.
"…So that's it…"
"…You're fighting as two…"
—
He glanced between them—
Sodo in front—
Servatron behind—
—
"…How am I supposed to take both of you at once…?"
Makoto fell to the ground—
breathing heavily.
—
Sodo walked toward him.
"…It's over."
A pause.
"…I was ordered to take you alive…"
"…though I would've preferred to kill you."
—
Makoto slowly pushed himself up.
—
Sodo looked down at him.
"…Look at you."
"…You can barely stand."
"…How do you think you'll beat us?"
—
Makoto… smiled.
—
"…Is that all you've got?"
—
Sodo's eyes narrowed.
—
…That look…
—
Flashback – Susano's Voice
"…Focus…"
"…Use all your will at once…"
"…It's not something you spam…"
"…It's for when everything is on the line."
—
Back to Battle
Makoto stepped forward—
—
They clashed—
hand to hand—
—
Sodo attacked—
Makoto dodged—
barely—
but kept moving.
—
Sodo's thoughts flickered—
…He's still moving at this level…?
…Impressive…
—
Sodo launched another strike—
—
Makoto slipped past it—
—
Then—
he turned—
and struck the Servatron—
—THUD—
followed by a kick—
forcing it back slightly.
—
Makoto clenched his fist—
—
Energy gathered—
his entire will compressing—
—
A dense sphere formed—
raw—
unstable—
—
"…This is it…"
—
He threw it.
—
Sodo's eyes widened.
"…What the hell is that—?!"
—
He tried to move—
—
—but couldn't react in time.
—
—BOOM—
—
A massive explosion consumed everything.
—
Silence.
—
Smoke filled the air.
—
Makoto stood—
barely—
his body shaking.
—
"…Guess…"
"…that was everything I had…"
—
He collapsed to one knee—
then to the ground.
—
"…But I did it…"
—
The smoke slowly cleared.
—
…Footsteps.
—
Makoto's eyes widened slightly.
—
Sodo walked out—
—
half his body burned—
clothes torn—
but standing.
—
Makoto stared.
"…What…?"
"…He's still standing…?"
Makoto crawled—
his body barely responding.
—
Sodo walked toward him.
"…I told you…"
"…you can't beat me."
—
Makoto gritted his teeth.
…Damn it…
…I have to run…
—
He tried—
—
—but—
—
—GRAB—
Sodo caught him from behind—
his hand tightening around Makoto's neck.
—
"…I didn't plan to finish you…"
A pause—
his grip tightened.
"…But I can't risk it."
"…I don't know what you might become."
—
Makoto struggled.
"…Damn it…!"
…Is this… the end…?
—
Sodo raised his hand—
energy gathering.
—
"…Now…"
"…die."
—
And then—
—
—ting—
—
A single note echoed.
Soft.
Cold.
—
A biwa string.
—
Sodo froze.
—
For a split second—
silence.
—
Then—
—
—SLASH—
—
His head split cleanly—
along with the Servatron behind him—
both cut in a single motion.
—
…Silence.
—
Sodo's body collapsed—
in pieces.
—
Makoto's eyes widened.
"…What… was that…?"
—
A white figure stood at a distance—
calm—
elegant—
holding a biwa.
—
Sei.
—
She spoke softly—
"…Well done…"
—
"…Benzaiten."
—
The presence behind her faded—
vanishing like mist.
—
Makoto stared—
still breathing heavily—
Makoto coughed—
still on the ground.
"…What… was that…?"
—
Fujiko smiled faintly.
"…So it was her…"
"…Interesting."
—
Makoto frowned.
"…That was insane…"
"…For a second I thought I was dead…"
"…If that didn't happen…"
—
—THUD—
A figure dropped from above.
—
Sei landed silently.
—
She walked forward—
her eyes scanning the scene—
then stopping at Sodo's corpse.
—
"…He's dead."
—
A pause.
—
She turned her gaze toward Makoto.
And makoto said
"…What?"
Makoto's vision blurred—
everything shaking.
—
…So it was her…?
…Sei…?
—
His breath grew heavy.
"…I can't… see clearly…"
—
Fragments flashed—
Sodo's hand—
that final moment—
—
…He was going to kill me…
…I would've died…
—
A faint exhale.
"…But…"
—
His body gave in—
—
Makoto collapsed.
Makoto slowly opened his eyes—
light hitting his face.
—
"…You're awake."
—
Fujiko stood beside him.
"…Welcome back."
"…You're fine now."
—
Makoto frowned slightly.
"…Don't say it like that…"
"…It sounds like I died or something…"
"…That gives me chills…"
—
Fujiko smiled.
"…You should thank Sei."
—
Makoto blinked.
"…Yeah…"
"…I saw her… right before I collapsed…"
"…Sei Amade…"
—
He looked around.
"…Anyway…"
"…Where's Rohan—"
—
"I'm here!"
—
Rohan suddenly leaned into view.
—
Makoto stared.
"…I thought you were dead…"
"…You didn't even use Shingon or anything…"
—
Rohan crossed his arms.
"…That guy was strong…"
"…He was trying to kill me…"
"…but I didn't let him."
—
Makoto raised a brow.
"…Yeah, I saw…"
"…You were running from the monster."
—
"…That's not what happened!"
Rohan protested.
"…I was just—"
—
Makoto cut him off.
"…Still…"
"…I'm surprised you don't even have a scratch…"
—
Fujiko replied calmly.
"…I healed him."
—
Makoto nodded.
"…Yeah… that makes sense…"
—
A pause—
then Makoto squinted.
"…Wait…"
"…Why are you on my knees?"
"…You're heavy."
—
Rohan looked down—
then laughed awkwardly.
"…Oh…"
"…I didn't even notice…"
—
Makoto sighed.
"…Get off."
Makoto exhaled—
then looked at Fujiko.
"…Anyway…"
"…why didn't you help us?"
His voice sharpened slightly.
"…I was about to die…"
"…think about Rohan too—"
—
He grabbed Rohan's head casually—
—
"Hey—don't do that!"
Rohan laughed.
"…That tickles—!"
—
Makoto ignored him—
still looking at Fujiko.
—
Fujiko remained calm.
"…I was watching."
A pause.
"…My role is healing."
"…I intervene when it becomes necessary…"
"…not all the time."
—
Makoto frowned.
"…But it was necessary…"
"…we were literally about to die."
—
Fujiko's expression didn't change.
"…And yet…"
"…you didn't."
A quiet pause.
"…Sometimes…"
"…it's important to see what happens at the edge."
—
Makoto clicked his tongue.
"…Damn…"
"…that's messed up…"
—
Fujiko turned slightly.
"…You'll understand later."
"…It takes time."
—
Makoto looked away.
"its very creul "
—
Scene Shift
Richard stood alone—
looking up at the sky.
—
Silent.
Scene Shift – Outside
Richard stood, looking up at the sky—
silent.
—
"…What do you want?"
He spoke—
without even turning.
—
A voice answered calmly.
"…So your name is Richard Bougainvillea."
—
Richard turned.
"…Yeah."
"…And you are?"
—
The man stepped forward slightly.
"…Just observing."
"…I heard you tried using rupture techniques…"
"…in the bathroom."
A pause.
"…Do you understand the consequences?"
—
Richard frowned.
"…How do you know that?"
—
The man's gaze stayed steady.
"…There are many things I see."
"…And one thing is clear…"
"…you're breaking rules."
—
Richard narrowed his eyes.
—
"…But…"
The man continued.
"…I also see potential in you."
—
A small pause.
—
"…Rupture isn't something you force."
"…It requires immense will."
"…What you're doing now…"
"…is reckless."
—
Richard clenched his fist.
"…You talk like you know everything."
—
The man shook his head slightly.
"…Not everything."
"…Just enough."
—
"…If you lose control…"
"…it won't just affect you."
"…It will affect everything around you."
—
A pause.
—
"…Train properly."
"…Use the training room."
"…Not shortcuts."
—
Richard stayed silent.
—
"…Who are you…?"
—
The man turned—
walking away.
—
"…Someone who makes sure things don't go wrong."
"…That's all."
—
He stopped briefly.
—
"…If you want…"
"…I can help you train."
"…The Shingon you're trying to use…"
"…is forbidden."
—
Richard's eyes widened slightly.
—
"…What…?"
—
"…Don't misunderstand."
"…I have no problem with you."
"…This is just a warning."
—
He continued walking.
—
Richard's expression hardened.
—
"…Tch…"
—
He raised his hand.
"…Pulse Burst!"
—
—BOOM—
—
The attack shot forward—
—
—but—
—
Louis stopped it.
With one hand.
—
No movement.
—
"…It's effective."
He said calmly.
"…But not against me."
—
Richard froze.
"…What…?"
—
"…Your name."
"…What is it?"
—
The man looked at him.
—
A slight pause.
—
"…Louis Berzato is the name ."
Scene Shift – Makoto & Fujiko
Makoto exhaled.
"…I really need to get stronger…"
A pause.
"…Hey… do you know Sei's サーバント name…?"
"…and her ability?"
—
Fujiko glanced at him.
"…That's a random question."
—
Makoto shrugged slightly.
"…Just curious… you know…"
—
He looked around.
"…Anyway… where is Sei?"
"…She didn't get injured, right?"
—
Fujiko replied calmly.
"…She's fine."
—
Makoto frowned a little.
"…Still…"
"…Where is she?"
—
"…Her room."
Fujiko said.
"…You can go."
—
Makoto blinked.
"…She lives here?"
—
Fujiko nodded.
"…Yes."
"…She's been here since childhood."
A small pause.
"…Her parents… are gone."
—
Makoto's expression softened.
"…I see…"
"…That's… rough…"
—
He scratched his head.
"…I should at least thank her…"
"…By the way… which room is hers?"
—
Fujiko pointed the direction.
"…End of the hallway."
—
Scene Shift – Hallway
Makoto walked slowly—
—
As he reached the door—
—
…music.
—
A soft piano melody.
—
He stopped.
"…Huh…?"
—
He was about to call out—
—
"…Fujiko—"
—
—but he paused.
—
The sound was gentle—
fluid—
almost… emotional.
—
Makoto slowly opened the door—
—
Inside—
Sei sat at the piano—
her fingers moving effortlessly—
each note flowing into the next.
—
The room was quiet—
except for the music.
—
Makoto didn't speak.
—
He just stood there—
listening.
Makoto spoke softly—
"…Wow…"
"…That was beautiful…"
—
Sei continued playing—
unaware of him.
—
The final note lingered—
then faded.
—
Silence.
—
Makoto smiled slightly.
"…That was amazing…"
"…I've never heard anything like that…"
A pause.
"…Well… except one person…"
"…Kamiya Shinya."
"…He's a pianist too…"
"…really good."
—
Sei turned her head slightly.
"…Is that so?"
—
Makoto nodded.
"…Yeah."
"…But yours felt… different."
"…I liked it."
—
Sei stood up slowly.
"…So…"
"…why are you here?"
—
Makoto scratched his head.
"…Oh…"
"…I came to say thank you…"
"…You saved me, right?"
—
Sei's expression didn't change.
"…I acted as a Force 15 member."
"…Nothing more."
—
Makoto blinked.
"…What do you mean…?"
—
"…I've worked with many teams."
"…Most of them failed."
A pause.
"…I don't attach meaning to saving people."
—
Makoto frowned.
"…So…"
"…you didn't actually want to save me?"
—
Sei replied calmly.
"…I was ordered to."
—
Makoto's eyes narrowed.
"…Ordered…?"
—
"…You're part of something."
"…Tenjin Chigi."
"…Once you form a bond with your サーバント…"
"…you become one of them."
—
Makoto stepped forward.
"…What…?"
"…So it was just a mission?"
—
Sei turned—
walking toward the door.
—
"…Answer me."
Makoto's voice sharpened.
"…Am I just a pawn…?"
"…A weapon for the Shingon Force?"
—
Sei paused—
but didn't turn back.
—
"…Soon…"
"…you'll understand."
A quiet pause.
—
"…what you really are."
Makoto dropped to one knee—
his hand gripping his chest.
—
"…Damn it…"
—
His breath grew uneven.
—
…Was all of that… just an act…?
…Why…?
—
His fingers tightened.
—
…Am I just a weapon…?
…Because of Susano…?
—
"…Damn it…!"
He gritted his teeth.
—
…Tenjin Chigi…
…part of it…?
—
His thoughts spiraled.
—
…If that's true…
…then what am I supposed to do…?
—
A pause.
—
…Can I change it…?
…or am I already trapped in it…?
—
His voice dropped—
almost trembling.
—
"…Am I just a pawn… in all of this…?"
—
Images flashed—
battle—
power—
destruction—
—
…I don't want to kill anyone…
…that's not why I wanted this power…
—
His grip tightened further.
—
…But what if…
…this Shingon Force…
…is just using me…?
…like a weapon…?
—
Silence.
—
"…Why me…?"
Makoto's thoughts trembled—
—
…If I'm part of it…
…then others like me exist too…
…Tenjin Chigi…
—
His eyes lowered.
—
…Are they all being used…?
…just like weapons…?
—
A pause.
—
…I don't know…
…but I hate it…
…the idea of people being used like that…
—
His fist slowly tightened.
—
…I don't want to lose myself…
…or lose what I believe in…
—
Silence.
—
Then—
Makoto smiled.
Faint—
but firm.
—
"…I'll change it."
—
He stood up.
—
"…Even if they stand against me…"
—
His eyes sharpened.
—
"…I will."
—
Scene Shift
Haruki Yoshida stood in the area—
his eagle perched on his shoulder.
—
The surroundings were quiet—
too clean.
—
The eagle spoke.
"…No trace."
"…Nothing remains."
—
Haruki narrowed his eyes slightly.
"…As expected…"
—
A faint smirk.
—
"…Whoever did this…"
"…is careful."
—
He looked around once more.
—
"…They erased everything."
A pause.
—
"…Interesting…"
Haruki said—
"…Anything you find…?"
—
Amaterasu raised both her hands—
calm, composed.
—
"…Not everything…"
"…But I see enough."
—
Haruki nodded slightly.
"…Then create a barrier."
"…This place needs to be secured."
A pause.
"…There are many civilians here…"
"…We can't risk it."
—
Amaterasu closed her eyes.
"…Understood."
—
"…I will seal this area."
"…No one will enter…"
"…and no one will leave."
—
A faint glow formed around her—
light spreading outward—
covering the surroundings like a dome.
—
"…It's done."
—
Haruki looked up at the sky—
silent for a moment.
—
Rain began to fall—
soft at first—
then steady.
—
Haruki stood still—
looking up at the sky—
raindrops hitting his face—
sliding down quietly.
—
Beside him—
Amaterasu lifted her hand—
a drop of water landing gently on her palm.
—
She watched it for a moment.
—
"…It's raining."
—
Haruki exhaled slightly.
"…Yeah."
Makoto walked forward—
hands in his pockets.
"…I'm going home."
—
A figure stepped in front of him—
blocking his path.
—
Sera raised her hand slightly.
"…You can't."
—
Makoto stopped.
"…What?"
—
Sera's expression remained calm.
"…Some of the strongest members are currently discussing the Tenjin Chigi."
"…You're one of them."
—
A pause.
—
"…By order of our leader, Araki Amatsuka…"
"…you are not allowed to leave."
—
Makoto's eyes narrowed.
"…I just want to meet some friends…"
"…that's it."
—
Sera smiled faintly.
"…It's still against the rules."
—
"…You may return to your room."
"…This restriction will last for five months."
—
Silence.
—
Makoto clenched his fist slightly—
— and said in he's mind
…Damn it…
…I can't even fight right now…
…If I resist… they'll take action…
—
He exhaled slowly.
…Fine…
…I'll find another way…
—
Makoto looked at her.
"…Alright."
Makoto turned back—
walking slowly—
until he reached his room.
—
He lay down on the bed—
his body still aching from the fight.
—
Fujiko was already there—
standing near the window.
—
"…Hey, Fujiko…"
—
"…Yes?"
—
Makoto paused—
took a breath—
then looked away.
"…It's nothing…"
—
Silence filled the room.
—
Outside—
rain continued to fall—
soft, steady—
evening light fading into grey.
—
Fujiko looked out at the sky—
quiet.
—
After a moment—
Makoto spoke again.
—
"…Hey…"
"…Don't you think…"
"…we could bring peace without violence?"
A pause.
"…Like… resolving everything without conflict…"
"…Wouldn't that be better?"
—
Fujiko smiled faintly—
still looking outside.
—
"…It would."
—
A brief silence.
—
"…But…"
She turned slightly.
—
"…you'll face your destiny."
"…And some things…"
"…can't be solved that way."
—
Makoto stayed quiet.
—
Fujiko continued.
—
"…Sometimes…"
"…non-violence isn't enough."
"…You'll have to let go of that softness…"
"…and become like a rock…"
"…to make decisions."
—
A pause.
—
"…If you don't…"
"…that hesitation will cost you."
Makoto exhaled slowly.
"…I guess… that makes sense…"
A pause.
"…But killing people…"
"…that kind of violence…"
"…I can't accept it…"
—
Fujiko looked at him—
calm as ever.
—
"…Sometimes…"
"…you'll have to."
A slight pause.
"…But in the end…"
"…it's your choice."
—
Silence.
—
Then—
she stepped closer.
—
"…Anyway…"
—
She raised her hand—
placing her palm gently over Makoto's stomach.
—
A faint glow appeared.
—
—CRACK—
—
The seal broke.
—
Makoto's eyes widened.
"…What…?"
—
Energy flowed again—
something familiar—
something heavy—
returning.
—
Fujiko lowered her hand.
—
"…I removed the seal."
"…The one Sodo placed on you."
—
Makoto slowly sat up—
still processing.
—
"…So all this time…"
"…Susano was sealed…?"
—
He clenched his fist slightly—
feeling that presence again.
—
"…I didn't even realize…"
Fujiko turned.
"…Take care."
—
She walked out.
—
Makoto raised his hand slightly.
"…Wait—"
—
But she was already gone.
—
"…Tch…"
He smiled faintly.
"…Guess I'm on my own again…"
A pause.
"…Still…"
"…they're not that selfish…"
—
"…Yeah."
—
Makoto blinked.
"…Oh—"
"…You're back."
"…What's up, Susano?"
—
Susano's voice echoed calmly.
"…It's only been a few hours…"
"…but that seal was troublesome."
—
Makoto sat up slightly.
"…So it really sealed you completely?"
—
"…Yes."
A pause.
"…If it wasn't removed…"
"…it would've been a problem."
—
Makoto frowned.
"…That Sodo guy…"
"…he's strong then…"
"…I fought him myself, you know."
—
Susano replied—
flat.
"…I didn't see anything."
"…I was completely sealed."
—
Makoto scratched his head.
"…Damn…"
"…So that seal was that serious?"
—
"…It's one of the four strongest seals."
"…Used by forbidden Okutso users."
—
Makoto's expression tightened.
"…No wonder it felt that bad…"
—
A pause—
then his tone shifted.
—
"…Hey, Susano…"
"…Why is the Shingon Force after you?"
—
Silence.
—
Then—
—
"…That's a long story."
—
A slight pause.
—
"…I'll tell you…"
"…when the time is right."
Makoto frowned slightly.
"…Come on…"
"…I won't tell anyone."
—
Silence.
—
"…Susano?"
—
No reply.
—
Makoto exhaled.
"…Then tell me this…"
"…Why are they after me?"
A pause.
"…They want to use me, right…?"
"…I heard something…"
"…Tenjin Chigi…"
"…They said I'm one of them…"
—
His eyes narrowed.
—
"…Is that true?"
—
A brief silence—
—
Then—
—
"…Yes."
—
Makoto's expression stiffened.
—
"…I am one of them."
Susano said calmly.
—
"…And you…"
"…are connected to that system."
—
Makoto clenched his fist.
—
"…So it's real…"
—
Susano continued—
—
"…My role…"
"…is not just power."
"…I exist to observe…"
"…and to protect this world…"
"…from threats."
—
A pause.
—
"…But…"
—
His voice lowered slightly.
—
"…There are things even I cannot fully explain yet."
"…Sensations…"
"…signals…"
"…something moving behind all of this…"
—
Silence filled the room.
—
Makoto looked down—
processing everything.
—
"…So this isn't just about me…"
—
No answer came.
Makoto exhaled slowly.
"…Alright…"
"…I'll keep quiet for now…"
A faint, forced smile.
"…No need to create unnecessary problems…"
—
Silence.
—
Then—
Susano's voice echoed—
calmer, deeper.
—
"…Makoto…"
—
A pause.
—
"…I can feel it."
—
Makoto's expression didn't change.
—
"…You're starting to break…"
—
Silence filled the room—
heavy—
uncomfortable.
—
Makoto looked away.
"…I'm fine."
—
Susano replied immediately—
firm.
—
"…No."
—
A pause.
—
"…You're not."
Susano spoke quietly—
"…Just be careful."
"…You don't know what's coming next."
—
Makoto nodded slightly.
"…Yeah…"
"…I will."
—
A pause.
—
"…Got it."
Susano said.
—
Makoto turned his head—
looking out the window.
Rain still falling—
soft, endless.
—
"…I should sleep…"
"…That's probably the best thing right now…"
—
Susano replied—
calm.
"…You should."
—
Makoto let out a small breath.
"…Feels like days…"
"…all of this happened in just days…"
—
He closed his eyes slowly.
—
"…My life's getting complicated…"
"…that's for sure…"
—
Silence filled the room—
only the sound of rain remaining.
Makoto opened his eyes slightly—
staring into the dark.
—
"…They're using me…"
"…like I'm just a tool…"
—
A quiet breath.
—
"…But maybe…"
"…that's just human nature…"
"…to use others…"
—
His gaze hardened.
—
"…Still…"
"…they think they're in control…"
—
A faint, bitter smile.
—
"…but in the end…"
—
"…they're just fools…"
"…trying to use something they don't truly understand…"
—
Silence returned—
only the rain echoing outside
Makoto slowly opened his eyes—
staring at the sky beyond the window.
—
"…Is this…"
"…what people call destiny…?"
—
Rain continued to fall—
quiet—
endless.
—
Scene Shift – Student Hallway
Footsteps echoed.
—
"…Hey, President—"
—
The man turned.
"…Oh—Kamiya?"
"…What brings you here?"
—
Kamiya smiled gently.
"…Nothing much…"
"…I just need a small favor."
—
"…A favor?"
—
Kamiya stepped closer.
—
"…I was thinking…"
A soft smile.
—
"…I should take control .."
—
"…What—?"
—
—SHK—
—
A blade pierced through.
—
The man's eyes widened—
his body collapsing.
—
—THUD—
—
His vision blurred—
blood spreading across the floor.
—
Kamiya stood over him—
calm.
—
"…You didn't have to resist…"
A slight tilt of his head.
—
"…But it's fine."
Kamiya looked down at the body—
unbothered.
—
"…Now then…"
—
He adjusted his sleeve slightly.
—
"…Let me release it."
—
A faint glow formed around his hand—
subtle—
distorted.
—
"…A suggestion-type shingon …"
"…Nothing too complex…"
—
His eyes narrowed slightly.
—
"…Just enough…"
"…to make everyone believe…"
—
A small smile appeared.
—
"…that I am the president."
—
The aura spread—
invisible—
seeping into the surroundings—
rewriting perception itself.
—
"…There."
—
Kamiya turned—
walking down the hallway calmly.
—
"…Much better."